A Recent Update from Darel's Urgent Care team:

Our brother, Darel Mason, has shared an update from his medical team as to a possible reason for the intense pain he was experiencing in his legs, briefly causing him to be unable to walk.

The good news... is that the medications prescribed to him are helping to manage the pain and he's able to walk short distances again.  Thankful!

The "other" news... is that the doctors believe he may be impacted by Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease (AIOD)... as indicated by calcification (blockage) within his circulatory system that was present on the recent ultrasound.  In fact, the source of the pain may not actually be in his legs... but could be a blockage nearer to his heart... within the aorta... that is limiting sufficient blood flow from reaching his legs.

As such... Darel's medical team is now reviewing "next steps"... as the many doctors involved in his care need to coordinate closely.  Our prayer at this point is that a minimally invasive solution can be found.

Darel has reduced his activity somewhat... and is keenly aware of the consequences that can be experienced if he over-extends himself on any given day.

He's feeling better right now... even though he's managing considerable pain.  Thankfully, it is helping... at least for the short term.

Thanks again to our family and friends who are checking-in with him from time to time.  We don't say it often enough:  THANK YOU!

April 24, 2024:  An additional confirmation... that the team was able to adjust Darel's medications with a rebalancing of medications from his rheumatologist.  It has been a tremendous success... giving Darel the improved mobility that he really needed!

Dr. Richard N. Fine, MD

It is with grateful appreciation that we note an exceptional honor bestowed upon one of Darel's pediatric nephrologists from 1969 at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles:  Dr. Richard N. Fine.

It was Dr. Fine who, in 1967, established the dialysis and transplant program at Children's Hospital LA.  As no such program yet existed in Orange County, this launched our family ritual of multiple weekly car trips to Los Angeles for the essential dialysis treatments that Darel would require until a transplant donor could be located.

Thankfully, in August 1969, Darel's miracle arrived... and his life was saved... largely because of the work of Dr. Fine and the many others who were devoted to Darel's care while he was receiving care from Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

In 2014, Dr. Fine, as former Dean of Stony Brook University School of Medicine, received the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA). The award recognized a IPTA member who made outstanding contributions to the field of pediatric transplantation over the course of his career. (IPTA).

Dr. Fine is a pediatric nephrologist who currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Dr. Fine is a past president of the American Society of Transplantation (AST) from 2005-2006.

He received his B.S. degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA in 1958 and M.D. degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA in 1962. He completed his residency in pediatrics at the Boston City Hospital (1962-64) and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (1964-66). Subsequently he joined the faculty at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles as a member of the division of metabolic and renal diseases as an instructor in pediatrics at USC School of Medicine.

In 1967 Dr. Fine initiated the dialysis and transplant program at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles and rose to the rank of professor at USC School of Medicine in 1976. In 1980, he moved to UCLA to establish the division of pediatric nephrology and revitalize the pediatric End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program prior to coming to Stony Brook in 1991.
Dr. Fine’s clinical and research interests have focused on optimizing clinical care of children afflicted with ESRD by adapting the dual modalities of dialysis and renal transplantation to a pediatric ESRD population.

He is an internationally recognized expert and teacher regarding the management of children who require renal transplantation. He has lectured and published extensively on the clinical issues surrounding renal transplantation in children.

His clinical research studies have involved the use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to improve growth retardation in pediatric renal allograft recipients. He has authored more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, edited 11 textbooks and is currently editor-in-chief of Pediatric Transplantation. Dr. Fine is a Fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics and the sub-Board of Pediatric Nephrology.

Dr. Fine lives with his wife Shawney, who was a dialysis nurse and the first transplant coordinator in the U.S., in Stony Brook, New York.

Celebrating 50 Years of Transplant History

As we approach the 50th Anniversary of Darel's first kidney transplant (Aug. 1969)... we are also thankful to report that his second kidney transplant (Dec. 2015) continues to function as it should.  His doctors are pleased with his progress and we remain hopeful that everything will stay on track for many more years to come!

Thanks to his family and friends who keep him encouraged.  It's clear that  his cell phone and the US Mail are what keep him connected... as he wants nothing to do with computers!  He might just be on to something there...

Round #2: Another Successful Transplant

46 years after his 1969 kidney transplant at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and after nearly 10 years of dialysis treatments since that kidney had failed, in early December of 2015 Darel finally got the call he had been waiting for.  We rushed to reach the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood and for the next several weeks that hospital became our home away from home. 

While the bottom line was the same as in 1969 (a new kidney; a new life)... it was amazing to witness the many ways that the likelihood of transplant success had improved.  In Darel's case, it took a few weeks of "stop & go" as the transplanted kidney began to function again.  However, the team never gave up; they seemed to know exactly what medications to tweak... what change would create a better outcome for Darel.

So... as we enter our third Christmas season since that marvelous gift for Darel... we remain grateful that his days are productive and he continues to share his life in the company of dear family and friends.  

Thanks to our extended network of both family and friends who have prayed for Darel across the years.  It's been a fascinating journey with this amazing medical pioneer!

The road's been a long one for Darel... but he's in it for the long haul!

After dialysis today, they weren't able to stop the bleeding in the fistula that connects him to the dialysis machine.  He's been having trouble for a while now... but the doctors kept hoping that they wouldn't have to do surgery again. 

Unfortunately, the vascular surgeon who would normally treat Darel is already on vacation... so he's on his way tonight to Antelope Valley Hospital where they will likely perform surgery in order to stop the bleeding and repair the damage in his arm.

We'll appreciate the prayers of our family & friends as Darel take on this new challenge...

New Challenges

After a recent week-long stay at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, Darel still is working toward recovery from hearing loss in his right ear and continuing dizziness that is affecting his ability to move around without falling. So far... no falls. However, he'll meet with his doctors today and he'll see hearing specialists next week. At this point, he's still on the transplant list at UCLA and he's working to keep it that way!

Back on the "List"

Darel's doctors at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center have confirmed that they returned him to the transplant list on June 10.

That good news was tempered by the stark reality that what used to be a 5 to 7 year wait for a new kidney has now turned into an 8 to 10 year wait. Darel is in year #6 of that wait.

Finding a match remains a tremendous challenge... but Darel is diligently working his program and we'll continue to pray that the call comes soon...

There will only be one Ralph Mason. Our father was a bedrock of strength in a family that needed his steadfast care. Right now we're still feeling the heavy impact of loss since his passing on Saturday morning, April 16, 2011. Still, we're forever grateful for all that he gave to his family over the 76 years he graced this world. We love you, dad.

Living Kidney Donor Intake Program at UCLA

Darel called this evening to share what he has just learned about a relatively new program at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center.

The Living Kidney Donor Intake Program allows for two different prospective kidney transplant patients to utilize living donor kidneys from donors who may not match their particular need; but may be able to "swap" kidneys with another recipient in need of a transplant.

Rather than waiting for an exact donor match from an individual donor, this program allows for waiting families and friends to provide a kidney to a matching recipient with far less delay than through traditional methods.

We've placed links in our right-hand column for those who might want to learn more about this process.

In the mean time, Darel's staying healthy as he awaits the next transplant. This week he also got word that a much needed knee replacement operation will take place in April 2009. It's alot to manage... but this is all great news for Darel and he's very pleased with this promising update!

An Organization that Cares!

http://www.kidneyfund.org/

We are so grateful to learn of an organization that is demonstrating their commitment to support kidney patients with the help they need most.

Few organizations truly understand the limitations that many patients face on a day to day basis. Thankfully, the American Kidney Fund does understand and is helping to lighten the burden that these patients carry.

This week, Darel was honored with the award of a grant that will assist with his transportation expenses to the dialysis treatments he needs three times each week (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays).

We are thankful as well for the office staff in his treatment center who helped him connect with this special organization.

Once in a while... someone does something really extraordinary to support and encourage Darel. When that happens... an entire family cheers!

With Thanksgiving...
The Mason Family

Happy 52nd Birthday!

Darel's family gathered to celebrate his 52nd Birthday in Ridgecrest, CA. We're grateful for the supportive family members who have made all the difference. Those who were able to join Darel that evening included Wayne, Patsy, Geri, Rich, Boz, Betty, Moon, Mary Ann, Bud, Ronnie, Dave and Dad. Go Big D!

Honoring Dr. Robert F. Maronde

We are pleased to honor Dr. Robert F. Maronde (1920 - 2008), who together with Dr. Helen Martin helped to create one of the very first artificial kidney machines.

This early marvel was created in the 1940's, long before the first successful transplants were achieved. And yes... that's a stainless steel beer keg that you're seeing in the photo; being used as a reservoir during these early days of treatment for acute renal failure.

Dr. Maronde served at Los Angeles County - USC Medical Center; and helped to create one of the first community-based hospital care programs for the Latino community of Los Angeles.

He also graduated from Pasadena High School in 1937 and served as a ship's doctor while on active duty in the Navel Reserve in 1946-1947.

In 1968, he became the first chairman of the new division of clinical pharmacology at the USC School of Medicine, where he remained until retirement in 1990.

Here's to a pioneer who was able to think "outside the box" and in the process helped to draw attention to the entire field of treatment for kidney disease.

Can a Kidney Patient Ride Dirt Bikes?

In a word: ABSOLUTELY!

For many years, Darel, along with his brothers & cousins would ride dirt bikes in the California desert whenever possible.

Every patient needs to find their "thing"... and dirt bikes was one of Darel's!

Happy Birthday, Dad.

Before he really understood the extent of Darel's illness, the decision was already made. Ralph Mason had already committed himself to every effort that would be needed to hold our family together in the decades to come.

Few men are called upon to meet the demands of working long hours as a truck driver, coming home in time to coach our Little League baseball teams, finding time to handle the chores of the day, and surviving the pressure raising a family in the midst of a rapidly changing world. Add to that the resonsibility he carried for remaining confident in the midst of Darel's uncertain medical condition and we come to know a man who stands tall among the great men of our time.

He stayed. No easy way out. No shortcuts. His love kept him home and his commitment to each of us was the clearest demonstration of character that we will ever know.

On the occasion of his 74th birthday we honor our dad, Ralph Mason.

We love you, Dad. Happy Birthday!